I couldn't disagree more with your opinion. It is true that the races in D&D did represent different species the reaction was all wrong. They changed the name from "race" to "species" and then turned them into the very definition of race. Now all species are exactly the same except for some cosmetic differrences. There is no difference in of game mechanics between Tieflings and Gnomes. Dwarves used to be a hearty species because they were Dwarves not because they did yoga. Now Halflings are just as hearty. I find the entire change the result of shallow thinking around a problem that never existed. I'll be keeping my racial bonuses and my half-elves too.